Merle Lee Williams, age 78, Green Cove Springs, Florida, formerly of Joplin, Missouri, passed away unexpectedly on Easter Sunday, April 16, 2017 at Orange Park Medical Center in Florida.
Merle was born March 2, 1939 in Joplin, son of the late Archie and Gladys (Cape) Williams. He graduated from Joplin High School in 1957. He enjoyed dirt track racing in his younger days, and enjoyed working on the cars with his brothers. He continued these driving traits into his later years. He worked for years in the grocery store business, retiring from Consumers Grocery. He loved serving the Lord, and was a former song leader at area churches. He was also a member of Calvary Baptist Church. He moved to Green Cove Springs in 2014 after being a lifelong resident of this area.
He was a beloved husband, father, faithful Christian, and family man. He never met a stranger, and was willing to help anyone in need. He enjoyed gardening, and planting flowers for his wife of 60 years, Mary Lou, and spending time with his children and grandchildren. He loved taking care of animals, especially his dog, Teddy.
In addition to his parents, Merle was preceded in death by a son, Donald L. Williams, and seven brothers and sisters.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Lou Williams of Green Cove Springs whom he married April 13, 1957; children, Connie Carpenter of Seneca, Missouri, Robin Clemons of Middleburg, Florida, Merle Williams, Jr. of Green Cove Springs; brother, Donald Williams of Carl Junction, Missouri; cousin, Everette Williams of Independence, Kansas; seven grandchildren, Stephen Carpenter, Jeffrey Carpenter, Carrie Carpenter, Ryan Clemons, Merle Williams, Brandon Williams, and Joshua Williams; 9 great-grandchildren, Stephen, Sasha, Emily, Dakota, Dylan, Tiffany, Trenton, Connor, and Abigail; one great-great-grandchild, Freeman; and numerous other family members and friends.
Funeral services will be Wednesday, April 26, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. in the Parker Mortuary Chapel. Interment will follow in Osborne Memorial Cemetery with grandsons serving as pallbearers.
The family will receive friends at Parker Mortuary on Tuesday from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.
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